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The Campaign for Socialism (CfS) welcomes the decision by the Glasgow
City Labour Party to include, in its 2003 Manifesto for the May Council
elections, a commitment to free school meals for Glasgow's Primary School
children by 2007.
While this does not go as far as the resolution passed at the City Party
in 2002 supporting free school meals for all children, CfS believes it
to be a step in the right direction.
Labour Group leader Charlie Gordon presented a paper giving detailed costing
of various options. An estimated £7.5 million would be required
to roll out free meals to all pupils, £4.5 million to only Primary
children, £1.5 million for a free 'healthy option' at secondary
schools and £1.8 million for a free 'healthy option' at Primary
schools.
Delegates felt that the free 'healthy option' would still be likely to
create stigma and voted for the free Primary school option.
Vince Mills secretary of CfS said:
'CfS is delighted that Glasgow City Labour Party is moving towards the
universal provision of free school meals for its children. Clearly the
City Party has recognised that if we are happy to feed patients in hospital
whatever their background and income, we should apply the same principle
to school children. We look forward to Labour MSPs* raising this issue
again in the new parliament after the elections in order to make provision
universal throughout Scotland'.
Contact: 0781 461 5224
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